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*Be well rested.
*Start hydrating 24 hours before your tattoo session.
*Shower.
*Exfoliate the area that will be tattooed and shave if necessary.
*Have a healthy and well balanced breakfast.
*Dress for your session. (You want to be as comfortable as possible as well as allowing easy access to the area to be tattooed).
WHAT NOT TO DO:
*Be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.*Excessive sun exposure prior to your appointment.
*Come to your session while sick. If your health is set back, it could slow down the healing process.
Coming to your session could also put the artists and their clients at risk. Please reschedule at least 48 hour before your tattoo session, or as soon as possible.
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*Bring some form of entertainment like books, a movie or music. This can help to distract you from the tattoo if you are doing a long tattoo session.
*Bring some lunch and snacks if you’re in for a full day.
*Bring along any special items that will make you as comfortable as possible.
*Mild painkillers are welcome if you feel the need.
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At the end of your session, you will be provided with an aftercare sheet with everything you need to know about taking care of your new tattoo.
Here are some tips to get you started:
1)After your tattoo has been done, some aftercare will be applied for you as well as a protective covering. Leave this on for 2-3 hours then remove carefully.
2)Firsty, wash your hands, then gently wash your tattoo with hot water to get any remanence off your skin. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Remember to wash your tattoo in the mornings and evenings. Mild/plain soap can be used, but normally hot water works just fine!
3)Wait 48 hours after your tattoo has been done before applying a thin layer of recommended aftercare. Washing your hands before applying aftercare is essential to remove any bacteria on your hands and avoid it being transferred onto your new tattoo. Apply 2-3 times a day for 3 weeks. Keep your tattoo clean and dry.
4)Wear loose fitting clothes over the next 1-2 weeks. Your clothing should not rub against your tattoo as this can cause irritation, prolonging the healing process and potentially resulting in ink loss.
5)After 2-4 days your tattoo will begin to dry out, and will look like its about to ‘flake’ off. It will get itchy but do not fear as this is normal and what the body does when going into healing mode. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo as this can cause fresh ink to be pulled out of the skin along with the scab, resulting in patchy areas of the tattoo. A touch up session will then be needed to get your piece looking the best it possibly can.
6)Avoid soaking your tattoo in a body of water for 2-3 weeks until fully healed. This includes swimming.
7)You will need to wait 48 hours after the tattoo has been done before exercising. After 2 days, you can start incorporating light exercise into your routine such as walking or light stretching. Wear loose fitting clothes that won’t rub on your new tattoo
If you are using gym equipment, it is essential to sanitize it to prevent possible infection. As soon as you’re done with your workout, give your tattoo another clean.
What about running? It is recommended not to run until your tattoo has fully healed as running moves almost every muscle in you body so clothing will rub on your tattoo.
If you can sit through a tattoo session, skipping a few workouts to let your tattoo heal properly won’t be so bad!
In preparation for getting a tattoo, especially a large piece, here are a few essential tips to help you make the most of your tattoo session. They will also help you sit in comfort for longer in your session. The more comfortable you are, the more of a breeze your experience will be.